PINEHURST, North Carolina – As Kevin Na missed week after week last year with a back injury, he kept an eye on this U.S. Open.

He thought his game would suit revamped Pinehurst No. 2. He thought its lack of rough might allow him to be more creative with his shots when missing fairways.

So far, he has been right.

“My caddie came and he said, ‘We’re going to the U.S. Open, no matter what, and we’re going to have a chance there,’” Na said.

A few more rounds like his opening 2-under 68 during his morning round on Thursday, and he’ll have more than just a chance.

Na is the U.S. PGA Tour’s No. 2 scrambler, at 66.95 percent. That’s a key skill at a course that places a premium on a strong short game.

“If there was any major that I really wanted to play this year, obviously because I was so far down in the world ranking, it was the U.S. Open,” Na said. “Because I felt like the course setup … would suit very well for me. Here I am.”

No fun at No. 5

Henrik Stenson knows a brutal U.S. Open hole when he sees one.

The 15th hole last year at Merion Golf Club was one.

So is the fifth at Pinehurst.

“If you guys want to see some disasters, you should get a hot dog, Snickers and Coke and head down to 5 green,” he said. “Because that’s as hard as it can ever get.”

The 576-yard par-5 hole features a dogleg to the left at the end, a slanted fairway with a downhill, sidehill lie and one of the trickier turtleback greens – the trademarks of this Donald Ross-designed course.

David Toms was 30 yards in front of the green in two shots. Five shots later, he was in for a double bogey.

Teaching a lesson

Brandt Snedeker believes his old putter needs some discipline.

He’s been loyal to his putters through the years, using only three “since I can remember.”

It’s time for No. 4. He ditched his Odyssey and broke out a Bridgestone this week in his first swap since 2006.

“I did bring [the Odyssey] with me, but it’s been stuck in the trunk trying to learn its lessons,” Snedeker quipped. “Hopefully, it’s learning.”